A nursing supervisor is assigning client care tasks for the upcoming shift on a medical-surgical unit. Match each client care scenario with the most appropriate delegation decision based on safety principles and the scope of practice for nursing personnel.
- A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring initial education on a new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.Assign to the Registered Nurse (RN) for primary education and evaluation.
- A stable client requiring a routine sterile dressing change for a healing stage 3 pressure injury.Assign to the Practical Nurse (PN) for a predictable sterile procedure.
- A client with severe dysphagia requiring assistance with oral feeding.Assign to a licensed nurse (RN or PN) due to the risk of aspiration requiring ongoing assessment.
- A stable client 24 hours post-procedure requiring routine vital signs and intake/output documentation.Delegate to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) for standard data gathering.
Answer
The correct matches align task complexity and stability with the appropriate licensure level: initial education to the RN, sterile dressing changes to the PN, high-risk feeding to a licensed nurse, and routine vitals to the UAP.
Safe delegation requires matching the client's stability, the task's complexity, and the risk of negative outcomes with the caregiver's legally defined scope of practice. Initial education is an RN responsibility. Predictable sterile procedures are appropriate for a PN. Tasks with immediate airway risks (like feeding with dysphagia) require licensed nurses. Routine, standard data collection on stable clients is suitable for UAPs.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Delegation based on the Five Rights and the scope of practice for RNs, PNs, and UAPs, ensuring client safety and appropriate resource utilization.